Antique Safes/ship safe

We just bought this from an antique store and they had no idea how old it was or exactly where it came come. We were told it was a ship safe. It has wood wheels you can't really see in the picture. Attached are some pictures and maybe you could determine a rough date on it? Thanks for any help or information.

AnswerAshley,

I've been sailing most of my life, and in the safe business for over 40 years, and have never seen a chest like this, however one thing I have learned is that antique dealers (much like used car salesmen) make up more "crap" about their stuff, than anyone I've ever met.

I'm not sure where they came up with the term "ships safe", but I can bet you that, other than being hauled from one country to another on a ship, this was never used by a ship.

This is an interesting container that I wouldn't mind looking at, but don't count on any identification or age as this is NOT a safe, and was probaly made by a furniture maker, not a safe maker.

It appears to be copper or bronze clad, over wood, which would indicate that it was a higher end chest made for someone more "well to do".

Unlike most used items which show wear or metal discoloration due to "use", which is INCORRECTLY identified as "Patina", the blueish color is the oxidation of the brass or bronze, and IS actually known as patina. While it looks "pleasing" to the eye, it is still oxidation of the metal and is not necessarily a good thing, unless you are buying it for the look.

Unless there are any identifying marks or names on the chest, I'm probably not going to be able to provide any type of identification, but I would scour the surface looking for any markings, as makers were pretty consistent about marking items with their names.

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